Dance Break
---- MiraCosta College Dance presents a program of choreography by students and faculty in multiple styles; preview, 7:30 p.m. May 10; regular shows, 7:30 p.m. May 11 and 12; 2 p.m. May 12 and 13; Theatre Building 2000, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside; $12, general; $10, seniors; $8, students and preview; 760-795-6815.

Malashock Dance: "Hidden Agendas"
----- The San Diego modern dance company will present the premiere of John Malashock's "In the Dark" as well as "Bump in the Road," "Let Me Into Your Skin," "Window Dressers" and "Memoriae"; 8 p.m. May 11 and 12; 7 p.m. May 13; Malashock Dance Studio, Dance Place, 2650 Truxtun Road, Studio 200, San Diego; $20-$25 ($5 more at the door); malashockdance.org or 619-260-1622.

City Ballet: "Romeo & Juliet"
---- The company presents a full-length production with live music by the City Ballet Orchestra; 8 p.m. May 11 and 12; 2 p.m. May 13; Spreckels Theatre, 121 Broadway, San Diego; $29-$59; cityballet.org or 858-272-8663.

Art Glass Guild Spring Show and Sale
---- More than 30 artists will exhibit in this juried exhibition of blown, fused, torch-worke, stained, cast, etched and mosaic glass; there will also be hands-on projects and art demonstrations; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 12 and 13; Spanish Village Art Center, Balboa Park, San Diego; artglassguild.org or 619-702-8006.

CSUSM Art Gallery
---- Cal State San Marcos operates this new off-campus art gallery, featuring work by students, faculty and regional and national artists; hours, 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; Village Shops, Old California Restaurant Row, 1080 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos; 760-750-8889.

Encinitas Library Gallery
---- "The Many Faces of Trash," a group exhibit by more than 25 local artists, is on display through June 4; "Environmental Art: Seeing the World Around Us With New Eyes," natural basketry by weaver Sue Kamin, runs through June 4; "Lost Heritage: The Dorymen of Cardiff" photo essay by Robert Wald runs through 2013; hours, 9:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays; 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas; 760-753-7376.

Julian Arts Guild Mother's Day Weekend Show and Sale
---- The Guild hosts its annual show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 11-13 at Julian Town Hall, Main Street, Julian; reception, 6-8 p.m. May 11; julianartsguild.org .

Re-Gallery
---- "Harriman, Fawcett, & Falcon Present: the Salton Sea Studies: a Visual Representation of an in Depth Exploration," an exhibit of photos and artifacts of the ecological disaster as seen through the eyes of three 20th century explorers, runs through May 30; 348 S. Cedros Ave., Suite H, Solana Beach; regallery.org or 858-259-2001.

Trios-a-Go-Go Gallery
---- Former Trios Gallery owners Sheri Fox and John Rawlinson host their first "pop-up" art show at the First Street Gallery, an exhibit of salvaged steel sculpture by many former Trios artists runs through May 19; hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; First Street Gallery, 820 S. Coast Highway, Encinitas; triosgallery.com or 858-793-6040.

University Art Gallery, UC San Diego
---- "Anomalia," an exhibit by four artists whose work engaged scientific models of research and representation, runs through May 18; UC San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla; 858-822-7755.

Viadesign
---- "Bifocal," a dual exhibit by painter Theresa Vandenburg Donche and photographer Ian Cummings, is on display; call for hours; 3911 Harney St., Old Town San Diego; viadesign or 619-220-0471.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center
---- Includes information on the Indian peoples who lived here before European settlers arrived, and on the native wildlife and plants around the center; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 1580 Cannon Road, Carlsbad; free; 760-804-1969 or aguahedionda.org.

Air Group One, Commemorative Air Force, San Diego Wing
---- Dedicated to preserving World War II aircraft and educating the public about them. On display is an SNJ two-seat Navy trainer, and an L-5 Sentinel is being restored; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; Hangar No. 6, Gillespie Field, 1905 N. Marshall, El Cajon; 619-259-5541 or cafairgroup1.org.

Bancroft Ranch House Museum
---- Historical 1863 home includes exhibits on American settlers to San Diego County, and the Indians who were here before; 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays-Sundays; 9050 Memory Lane, Spring Valley; free; 619-469-1480.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps
---- Scripps Institution of Oceanography operates this educational venue with exhibits that illustrate more than 60 marine environments; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla; $14, general; $12, military with ID; $10, seniors (60+) and students with ID; $9.50, children 3 to 17; free, children 2 and under; through September, San Diego County residents get in for half-price on the 20th of each month; free three-hour parking; 858-534-3474 or aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Cabrillo National Monument
---- U.S. national park includes historical lighthouse, visitors center, whale-watching outlooks, tide pools, military history exhibit, bookstore and cliffside trail; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; $5 per carload; $3 for walk-ins/cyclists; western foot of Catalina Boulevard, Point Loma; www.nps.gov/cabr.

California Flight Museum
---- A half-dozen historical aircraft, from a World War II trainer through Cold War military aircraft up through of Dick Rutan's experimental Long Eze, are on display; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays ---- but call ahead just in case; 1424 Continental St., Hangar #8 (at Brown Field in South San Diego); 619-661-2516 or californiaflightmuseum.org.

California Surf Museum
---- "Hansen Surfboards ---- A 50-Year Retrospective," tracing the company and its founders' history through vintage boards, photos, advertisements and more, is on display; "Transitional Thinking: A Short Story 1966-1972" is on display; permanent exhibits illustrate the history of surfing and the culture that grew up around the sport; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (until 8 p.m. Thursdays); 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside; $3, general; $1, seniors, students, military; free, children 12 and under; Tuesdays free for all visitors; 760-721-6876 or surfmuseum.org.

Chula Vista Nature Center
---- Plants and animals native to San Diego Bay and the Otay River are on display, with exhibits offering information on them; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista; $11, general; $8, seniors, students with ID and youths 12-17; $6, children ages 4-11; free, children under 4; 619-409-5900 or chulavistanaturecenter.org.

Coronado Museum of Art and History
---- "Coronado on the Frontline 1924-1945" is now open; an exhibit of recent paintings of Coronado scenes by San Diego County artists is now on display; museum exhibits photographs and artifacts detailing the history of the peninsula community; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado; $4, general; $3, seniors and active military; $2, children; free, children 9 and under; 619-437-8788 or coronadohistory.org.

Fallbrook Historical Museum
---- Museum documents and preserves Fallbrook history, including the century-old Pittenger House, home of William Pittenger, Civil War hero and Medal of Honor winner; historical displays and research materials; 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays; South Hill Street at Rocky Crest Road, Fallbrook; free; 760-723-4125 or fallbrookhistoricalsociety.com.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
---- The nation's only museum dedicated to Marine Corps aviation history features more than two dozen vintage and historically important planes, jet fighters and helicopters used by Marine pilots in combat from World Wars I and II through the ongoing war on terror, along with artifacts, photos and displays; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, except major holidays; Miramar Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar Road, 1.3 miles west of I-15, San Diego; free; 858-693-1723 or flyingleathernecks.org.

Gemological Institute of America Museum
---- "GIA Egg-stravaganza," an exhibit of more than 700 egg-shaped minerals, carved by master lapidarist Dieter Jerusalem over a 40-year period, is on display through Dec. 31; "Tablet to Tablet: Treasured Pages From Past to Present," an exhibit of more than 26,000 pages from rare books on gems, minerals and natural science dating to the 15th century, is on display through September; admission to GIA's museum and gemological exhibits is through reserved tours only (24 hours' notice required); contact GIA for available dates; photo identification required for entrance; 5345 Armada Drive, Carlsbad; free; 760-603-4000, ext. 4116, or guestservices@gia.edu.

Japanese Friendship Garden
---- The garden features a plaza, viewing deck, koi pond and tea pavilion; winter hours: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays (close the fifth Monday of each month); Balboa Park, 2215 Pan American Road, San Diego; $4, general; $3, seniors, students and military with ID; free, children under 6; 619-232-2721 or niwa.org.

The Knox House Museum
---- Historical structure has exhibits tracing life in San Diego County from the end of the Civil War through the early 20th century, with a focus on settlers in El Cajon; 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. the first Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. the third Saturday; 280 N. Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon; free; 619-444-3800 or elcajonhistory.org.

Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center at Pauwai
---- This 5-acre archaeological site operated by Poway, Friends of the Kumeyaay and San Pasqual Band of Indians includes an Indian interpretive center with exhibits, a re-creation of a Kumeyaay hut ("ewaa"), native gardens and archaeological ruins; tours are offered during park hours, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays; 13104 Ipai Waaypuk Trail (formerly Silverlake Drive), Poway; free; 858-668-1292 or poway.org/kiic.

The La Mesa Depot
---- The only surviving depot from the San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway, the 1894 building is operated as a museum by the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum; exhibits include a 1923 steam switcher; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 4695 Nebo Drive, La Mesa; free; 619-478-9937 or sdrm.org/la-mesa.

Leo Carrillo Ranch
---- Authentic Western-style rancho, barn and gardens filled with film memorabilia, antiques and Old West/Americana items once owned by Carrillo, who starred in a series of Western serials and films before his death in 1961; the ranch is registered as a California Historic Landmark; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays; tours offered 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays; noon and 2 p.m. Sundays; 6200 Flying LC Lane, Carlsbad; free; 760-476-1042 or carrillo-ranch.org.

Lux Art Institute
---- Lux showcases the work of artists in residence, arts education and site-specific installations; works by sculptor Gwynn Murrill are on exhibit through May 19; hours, 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas; $5 adults over 21, good for two visits during same residency; free to 20 and under; 760-436-6611 or luxartinstitute.org.

The Marine Corps Mechanized Command Museum
---- Devoted to preserving and exhibiting combat and support vehicles used by the Marines from World War II to the present; tours available by reservation only ---- send requests to Commanding Officer, history museums, HQ SPT BN, Box 555031, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5031 or fax to 760-725-5727, Attn: History & Museums.

Maritime Museum of San Diego
---- An exhibit of nautical photographs from 1906-07 by Jack London are on display through Dec. 3; "Cook, Melville, Gauguin," a nautical art exhibit available by special ticket from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, has been extended through July 31; "Whale Magic" photography now on display; permanent exhibits include the historical 19th-century tall ship the Star of India; the turn-of-the-century ferry Berkeley; a Cold War-era Soviet Foxtrot-class attack submarine; and the 1968 U.S. research submarine the USS Dolphin, which holds the record for the deepest submarine dive; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; 1492 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego; $14, general; $11, juniors (13-17), seniors and active military; $8, children (6-12); free, children 5 and under; 619-234-9153 or sdmaritime.org.

The Marston House Museum & Gardens
---- This classic 1906 Arts and Crafts house was designed by renowned local architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill. It sits on 5 acres with a formal English Romantic-style garden, period furnishings, pottery and an American Indian basketry collection; museum also hosts a gift shop hosted by Save Our Heritage Organization; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays-Mondays; Balboa Park, 3525 Seventh Ave., San Diego; $10, general; $7, seniors (55 and over); $4, children ages 6 to 12, free, children 5 and under; guided tours available at additional cost; 619-297-9327 or marstonhouse.org.

McKinney House and Museum
---- Illustrates early 20th-century life in San Diego County, with exhibits housed in a 1908 home; 1 to 4 p.m. first and third Saturdays of each month; 8369 University Ave., La Mesa; free; 619-466-0197 or lamesahistoricalsociety.com.

MCRD Command Museum
---- Exhibits trace the history of the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the Marines in the San Diego region; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, and Fridays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays; 1600 Henderson Ave., Marine Corps Recruit Depot (enter Gate 5), San Diego; free; photo ID and proof of insurance are required to enter the base and vehicles are subject to search; 619-524-8431 or mcrdmuseumhistoricalsociety.org.

Mingei International Museum
---- "San Diego's Craft Revolution: From Post-War Modern to California Design" and "Bold Expressions: African American Quilts From the Collection of Corrine Riley" are on exhibit; Mingei is an international folk art and textiles museum; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; Balboa Park, 1439 El Prado, San Diego; $8, general; $5, seniors, military, college students with ID and children 6 to 17; free, children 5 and under; 619-239-0003 or mingei.org.

Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum
---- The museum honors the work of some of the world's finest craftsmen in miniature. Over 300 displays include running model steam, gas, Stirling and other types of engines, miniature tools and guns, model aircraft, trains, cars and construction equipment, clocks and collections of vintage model airplane engines and tabletop machine tools. A working machine shop offers demonstrations on how metal is cut to make precision projects; huors, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; closed holidays; 3190 Lionshead Ave., Carlsbad; free; 760-727-9492 or craftsmanshipmuseum.com.

Mission San Diego de Alcala
---- The first of the California missions features self-guided tours and historical exhibits; docent-led tours by reservation only; 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily; 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego; $3, general; $2, seniors and students; $1, children 12 and under; 619-281-8449 or missionsandiego.com.

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla
---- The museum hosts its 2012 Biennial Art Auction at 6:30 p.m. May 30, with live and silent auctions of donated art to benefit museum programs; "Spencer Finch: Rome (Pantheon, Noon, June 14, 2011)" runs through May 30; "John Baldessari: A Print Retrospective From the Collections of Jordon D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation" runs through May 13; "Santa Ana Condition: John Valadez 1976 to 2011," a survey of work by the Mexican-American painter and muralist, runs June 10-Sept. 2; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Tuesdays; closed Wednesdays; extended hours until 7 p.m. every third Thursday; 700 Prospect St., La Jolla; $10 adults 26 and over; $5, seniors; free, active-duty military and immediate families, and 25 and under; free admission after 5 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month; 858-454-3541 or mcasd.org.

Museum of Making Music
---- The museum celebrates the innovations that changed the face of American popular music and music-making from the 1890s to the present and features 500 vintage instruments, hundreds of audio and video examples and an interactive stage; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; 5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad; $8, general; $5, students, seniors and active military; free, children 5 and under; 760-438-5996 or museumofmakingmusic.org.

Museum of Photographic Arts
---- "Three Story House: Selections from MOPA's Photography Collection" runs May 12-Sept. 30; "Eyes of a Nation: A Century of American Photography" runs through May 13; permanent collection takes in all forms of photography; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; Casa de Balboa Building, Balboa Park, 1649 El Prado, San Diego; $8, general; $6, seniors, retired military and dependents (with ID); $5, students (with ID); free, children under 12 with an adult; 619-238-7559 or mopa.org.

National City Depot
---- Historical depot built in 1882 for the California Southern Railway has been restored and houses exhibits on early rail in San Diego County; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; 922 West 23rd St., National City; free; 619-474-4400 or sdera.org/depot.shtml.

The New Children's Museum
---- "Trash," an educational exhibit featuring recycled artworks by 12 international artists, is open; the museum provides dynamic, playful and hands-on exhibits and studios, along with art classes and other fun activities for children and families; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays; $10, adults and children; $5, seniors and active-duty military with ID; free, children under 1; free admission for all second Sunday of each month, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 200 W. Island Ave., San Diego; 619-233-8792 and thinkplaycreate.org.

Oceanside Museum of Art
---- "Liquid Capture: Masters of Underwater Photography" runs through June 17; "Lee Silton: Evolution" runs through Aug. 12; "Cruisin' Califas: The Art of Lowriding," an exhibit of lowrider automobiles, artwork, models, accessories and memorabilia, runs May 13-Sept. 30; reception, 5-7 p.m. May 12; "Penumbra: An Ode to Oceanside in a Time of War," a painting installation by Oceanside artist Geoffrey Cunningham inspired by the local Marines who've fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, runs through June 3; "Contemporary Art Wins a Beachhead: The La Jolla School of Arts 1960-1964" runs through July 8; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays; 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside; $8, general; $5, seniors; free, students and military (and dependents) with ID; museum is free to all on Tuesdays; 760-435-3720 or oma-online.org.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
---- San Diego's original downtown square from the late 1800s; exhibits include La Casa de Estudillo (a mansion built around a garden courtyard), La Casa de Machado y Stewart, the Mason Street School (California's first public schoolhouse), La Casa de Machado y Silvas, the San Diego Union Printing Office, the Seeley Stables Museum, a working blacksmith shop (limited hours) and the first brick courthouse; 4002 Wallace St., San Diego; free; 619-220-5422 or parks.ca.gov/?page_id=663.

San Diego Air & Space Museum
---- Space Day program for junior astronauts, with space organizations, hands-on activities for children and free admission for children, is May 12; "How Things Fly ... Experience the Adventure," a new interactive exhibit that explains the principles of aerodynamics, propulsion along with meteorology and air traffic control, is now open; Exhibits include many historical aircraft and reproductions, from the Wright Brothers through the manned lunar missions to the present; admission includes admission to the 3-D/4-D Zable Theater; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; Balboa Park, 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego; $17.50, general; $14.50, seniors, students and retired military with ID; $7, children 3-11; free, children 2 and under and active military with ID; simulator rides are extra; behind-the-scenes restoration tours are available for additional fee; 619-234-8291 or sandiegoairandspace.org.

San Diego Archaeological Center
---- "Camp Winacka: Digging into History" exhibit runs through December; Exhibits detail the past 10,000 years of the region through use of local artifacts; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, San Pasqual Valley; free; 760-291-0370 or sandiegoarchaeology.org.

San Diego Automotive Museum
---- An exhibit dedicated to Woodies automobiles runs through May 27; Museum traces the history of the automobile; a Volkswagen exhibit runs through Jan. 29; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; Balboa Park, 2080 Pan American Plaza, San Diego; $8, general; $6, seniors and military; $5, students with ID; $4, children 6 to 15; free, children under 6; 619-231-2886 or sdautomuseum.org.

San Diego Botanic Garden
---- The lush 37-acre garden contains plants and trees from around the world, including the largest bamboo collection in the United States; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas; $12, general; $8, seniors, students and active-duty military; $6, children 3-12; free, children 2 and under; 760-436-3036 or sdbgarden.org.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
---- "Speak of Good Things: Nianhua and Chinese Folk Tradition," a traveling exhibit of Asian folk art, is on display; The museum collects, preserves and shares the Chinese-American experience and Chinese history, culture and art; 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays; group tours available upon request; 404 Third Ave., San Diego; $2, adults; free, children 12 and under; 619-338-9888 or sdchm.org.

San Diego Hall of Champions
---- The museum documents the teams and individuals who have shaped San Diego's sports landscape, from prep stars to the numerous professional clubs that have called the area home; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; Balboa Park, 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego; $8, general; $6, seniors, military and students; $4, children 7-17; free, children 6 and under; 619-234-2544 or sdhoc.com.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum
---- The museum's 27,000-square-foot layout is the largest indoor model railroad display in North America; permanent exhibits include five working model railroads, including HO-scale, N-scale, and Lionel and O-gauge trains; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Balboa Park, 1649 El Prado, San Diego; $7, general; $6, seniors; $3, students with ID; $2.50, active-duty military with ID; free, children under 15 with paid adult; 619-696-0199 or sdmodelrailroadm.com.

San Diego Museum of Art
---- "Echoes of the Past: The Buddhist Caves of Xiangtangshan" runs through May 27; "Dyeing Elegance: Asian Modernism and the Art of Kuboku and Hisako Takaku" runs through May 27; The museum's permanent holdings include a collection of Italian Renaissance, Dutch and Spanish Old Masters; Asian art, South Asian paintings, as well as comprehensive examples of American art, 19th-century European paintings and 20th-century paintings and sculpture; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; Balboa Park, 1450 El Prado, San Diego; $12, general; $9, seniors and active-duty military; $8, students with ID; $4.50, children 7 to 17; free, children 6 and under; 619-232-7931 or sdmart.org.

San Diego Museum of Man
---- The museum hosts the West Coast premiere of "Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America!," an exhibit dedicated to the skateboarding culture in American Indian tribes that includes a mini half-pile skate ramp runs through Sept. 9; The museum exhibits anthropology and archaeology artifacts, with an emphasis on San Diego County and Southern California, plus ancient Egypt; the Children's Discovery Center includes a 1,350-square-foot interactive gallery that depicts life in ancient Egypt; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; California Building, Balboa Park, 1350 El Prado, San Diego; $12.50, general; $10, seniors and active-duty military with ID; $8, youth (ages 13-17) and students with ID; $5, children ages 3 to 12; free, children 2 and under; 619-239-2001 or museumofman.org.

San Diego Natural History Museum
---- "The Horse," a comprehensive exhibit of fossils, models, dioramas and cultural objects that traces the enduring bond between horses and humanity, makes its West Coast premiere June 1-Jan. 20, 2012; also opening June 1, "Vavra's Vision: The Equine Images of Robert Vavra"; "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition," featuring 200 items from the ship's wreckage in the North Atlantic, runs through Sept. 9 (special ticket required); "Best of Nature" photography show runs through May 31; "Skulls," a new permanent exhibition of more than 200 animals skulls from tiny snakes to a giraffe and rhinoceros, is open; "Working on Thin Ice: 25 Years of Research in Antarctica" runs through Sept. 30; playing on large-format screen: "Ocean Oasis" and through May 31: "SeaRex: Journey to a Prehistoric World 3D" and "Sharks 3D"; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (open until 8 p.m. Thursdays, except holidays); hours vary weekly, call to confirm; Balboa Park, 1788 El Prado, San Diego; $17, general; $15, seniors; $12, military, youths (13-17) and students with ID; $11, children ages 3 to 12; free, children 2 and under (ticket price includes giant-screen films); sdnat.org or 619-232-3821.

San Dieguito Heritage Museum
---- The museum's 24th annual Deep Pit BBQ is noon to 4 p.m. May 19; The new "Families Make History" program offers free hands-on activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays (through May 31, children can learn to make a pioneer-style rag doll), children; a new exhibit re-creates a 1920s-1940s-style barber shop; permanent exhibits on local history, from American Indians through early settlers to modern surfing culture; hours, noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; 450 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas; $4, general; $2 seniors and students, free for young children, active military and members, 760-632-9711 or sdheritage.org.

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park
---- Commemorates the soldiers on both sides of the 1846 battle during the Mexican-American War; exhibits include uniforms, weapons and equipment; 15808 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; 760-737-2201 or www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=655.

Santa Margarita y Las Flores Ranch House Complex
---- Located on Camp Pendleton, this complex includes the Ranch House (1827), the home of Pio Pico, last Mexican governor of Alta California, as well as the Ranch House Chapel (1810) and the Bunkhouse Museum; tours available by reservation only, from September through May ---- call 760-725-3146.

Serra Museum
---- The Serra Museum sits on the site of the original San Diego mission set up by the Spanish priests before they moved to the current Mission Valley location, and documents the early history of European settlement in San Diego County; operated by the San Diego Historical Society; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Presidio Park, 2727 Presidio Drive, Old Town San Diego; $5, general; $4, seniors and active-duty military and students with ID; $2, children 6 to 17; free, children under 6; 619-297-3258 or sandiegohistory.org.

Timken Museum of Art
---- "Object Lessons: France in the Golden Age" runs through June 3; the permanent collection is primarily Dutch, Flemish, French and Italian painters, including Rembrandt, Rubens, Petrus Christus, Fragonard, Jacques-Louis David and Veronese, as well as American artists such as John Singleton Copley and Eastman Johnson; and Russian icons; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays; Balboa Park, 1500 El Prado, San Diego; free; 619-239-5548 or timkenmuseum.org.

USS Midway Museum
---- Floating aircraft carrier museum educates the public on the history of these "floating cities," with tours of the flight, hangar and mess decks; pilot house; navigation bridge; and much more; Navy jet simulator rides available for additional charge; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; aboard the USS Midway, 910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego; $18, general; $15, seniors 62 and up, college students with ID; $10, retired military with ID and children 6 to 17; free, active-duty military and reservists with ID and children under 6; 619-544-9600 or midway.org.

Valley Center History Museum
---- An exhibit marking the Sequicentennial (150th anniversary of Valley Center) is now open; Town history, American Indian artifacts, historical documents, tributes to the original American settlers, visiting celebrities and more are on exhibit; the museum's centerpiece is a stuffed 8-foot, 1,200-pound California grizzly bear, recalling the days when the village was known as Bear Valley; 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 29200 Cole Grade Road, Valley Center; free; 760-749-2993 or valleycenterhistory.org.

Veterans Museum & Memorial
---- The museum honors the service and sacrifice of San Diego County military veterans with exhibits, service programs and outreach; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays; 2115 Park Blvd., Balboa Park, San Diego; $5, general; $4, veterans and seniors; $2, students with ID; free, children under 12 and active-duty military and dependents with ID; 619-239-2300 or veteranmuseum.org.

Vista Historical Society Museum
----- The museum, housed in the 1934 two-story Rancho Minerva, exhibits early Vista memorabilia, artworks and photographs of the historical home; 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, and the first two Saturdays of each month; 2317 Old Foothill Drive, Vista; 760-630-0444 or vhsm.org.

The Water Conservation Garden
---- Botanical park illustrates how native and other plants are able to thrive on only small amounts of water; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; Cuyamaca College, 12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West, El Cajon; free; 619-660-0614 or thegarden.org.

Whaley House Museum
---- The Whaley House was built by San Diego pioneer Thomas Whaley in 1857 for his family and general store, and is operated by the Save Our Heritage Organization; the museum is widely rumored to be haunted; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays-Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2476 San Diego Ave., Old Town San Diego; before 5 p.m. admission: $6, general; $5, seniors; $4, children 3-12, free, children 2 and under; admission after 5 p.m. is $10; 619-297-7511 or whaleyhouse.org.

Women's Museum of California
---- An exhibit of photographs by American Indian women artists is on display through Dec. 15; The museum features archives and exhibits on important women in world history; noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 2323 Broadway, Suite 107, San Diego; $5, general; $3, seniors and students; 619-233-7963 or whmec.org.

Guy B. Woodward Museum
---- The museum focuses on early Western history, specifically that of the Ramona area ---- exhibits include turn-of-the-century furniture, a collection of women's clothing and accessories, a cowboy bunkhouse and the Casey Tibbs Memorial exhibit; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday-Sundays; 645 Main St., Ramona; $3, adults; 50 cents, children; 760-789-7644 or woodwardmuseum.org.

The World War II and Korea LVT Exhibit
---- Vintage amphibious tracked vehicles, related artifacts and informational displays on landing craft used by the Marines in those two wars; located on Camp Pendleton ---- tours available by reservation only; call 760-725-2195.